Which safety rule states you must identify the target and what’s beyond before shooting?

• A. Identify Target and what's beyond the Target before shooting
• B. Keep fingers off the Trigger at All times unless ready to shoot
• C. Treat all Weapons as if they are Loaded
• D. Never direct the muzzle at anything unless you intend to destroy or buy

Answer: (A)

Identify your target and what’s beyond before shooting. This rule requires you to confirm exactly what you are aiming at and what lies past it—backstops, bystanders, or structures—so a bullet doesn’t go where you didn’t intend. Verifying the area beyond helps prevent unintended injury or property damage from bullets that miss, penetrate, or ricochet. If you cannot confirm a safe backstop or there’s a person or vulnerable object behind the target, you should not fire. This emphasis on knowing the full impact of your shot distinguishes it from other essential safety practices, such as keeping your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, treating every firearm as loaded, and never pointing at anything you’re not willing to destroy.